®

Representing Periodic
Functions by Fourier  

Series 23.2 

Introduction
In this Section we show how a periodic function can be expressed as a series of sines and cosines.
We begin by obtaining some standard integrals involving sinusoids. We then assume that if f (t) is
a periodic function, of period 2π, then the Fourier series expansion takes the form:
∞
a0 X
f (t) = + (an cos nt + bn sin nt)
2 n=1

Our main purpose here is to show how the constants in this expansion, an (for n = 0, 1, 2, 3 . . . and
bn (for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . ), may be determined for any given function f (t).

' $
• know what a periodic function is

Prerequisites • be able to integrate functions involving

sinusoids
Before starting this Section you should . . .
• have knowledge of integration by parts
&
# %
• calculate Fourier coefficients of a function of
period 2π
Learning Outcomes
• calculate Fourier coefficients of a function of
On completion you should be able to . . .
general period
" !

HELM (2008): 9
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
1. Introduction
We recall first a simple trigonometric identity:
1 1
cos 2t = −1 + 2 cos2 t or equivalently cos2 t = + cos 2t (1)
2 2
Equation 1 can be interpreted as a simple finite Fourier series representation of the periodic function
f (t) = cos2 t which has period π. We note that the Fourier series representation contains a constant
term and a period π term.
A more complicated trigonometric identity is
3 1 1
sin4 t = − cos 2t + cos 4t (2)
8 2 8
which again can be considered as a finite Fourier series representation. (Do not worry if you are
unfamiliar with the result (2).) Note that the function f (t) = sin4 t (which has period π) is being
1
written in terms of a constant function, a function of period π or frequency (the “first harmonic”)
π
π 2
and a function of period or frequency (the “second harmonic”).
2 π
The reason for the constant term in both (1) and (2) is that each of the functions cos2 t and sin4 t
is non-negative and hence each must have a positive average value. Any sinusoid of the form cos nt
or sin nt has, by symmetry, zero average value. Therefore, so would a Fourier series containing only
such terms. A constant term can therefore be expected to arise in the Fourier series of a function
which has a non-zero average value.

2. Functions of period 2π
We now discuss how to represent periodic non-sinusoidal functions f (t) of period 2π in terms of
sinusoids, i.e. how to obtain Fourier series representations. As already discussed we expect such
n
Fourier series to contain harmonics of frequency (n = 1, 2, 3, . . .) and, if the periodic function
2π
has a non-zero average value, a constant term.
Thus we seek a Fourier series representation of the general form
a0
f (t) = + a1 cos t + a2 cos 2t + . . . + b1 sin t + b2 sin 2t + . . .
2
a0
The reason for labelling the constant term as will be discussed later. The amplitudes a1 , a2 , . . .
2
b1 , b2 , . . . of the sinusoids are called Fourier coefficients.
Obtaining the Fourier coefficients for a given periodic function f (t) is our main task and is referred
to as Fourier Analysis. Before embarking on such an analysis it is instructive to establish, at least
qualitatively, the plausibility of approximating a function by a few terms of its Fourier series.

10 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
 ®

Task
Consider the square wave of period 2π one period of which
is shown in Figure 10.

−π −π π π t
2 2

(a) Write down the analytic description of this function,

(b) State whether you expect the Fourier series of this function to contain
a constant term,
(c) List any other possible features of the Fourier series that you might
expect from the graph of the square-wave function.

Your solution

Answer
(a) We have
 π π
 4
 − <t<
2 2

f (t) =
 0 −π < t < − π , π < t < π


2 2
f (t + 2π) = f (t)

(b) The Fourier series will contain a constant term since the square wave here is non-negative and
cannot therefore have a zero average value. This constant term is often referred to as the d.c.
(direct current) term by engineers.
(c) Since the square wave is an even function (i.e. the graph has symmetry about the y axis) then
its Fourier series will contain cosine terms but not sine terms because only the cosines are even
functions. (Well done if you spotted this at this early stage!)

HELM (2008): 11
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
It is possible to show, and we will do so later, that the Fourier series representation of this square
wave is
 
8 1 1 1
2+ cos t − cos 3t + cos 5t − cos 7t + . . .
π 3 5 7
i.e. the Fourier coefficients are
a0 8 8 8
= 2, a1 = , a2 = 0, a3 = − , a4 = 0, a5 = ,...
2 π 3π 5π
Note, as well as the presence of the constant term and of the cosine (but not sine) terms, that only
2π 2π 2π
odd harmonics are present i.e. sinusoids of period 2π, , , , . . . or of frequency 1, 3, 5, 7, . . .
3 5 7
1
times the fundamental frequency .
2π
We now show in Figure 8 graphs of
(i) the square wave

(ii) the first two terms of the Fourier series representing the square wave

(iii) the first three terms of the Fourier series representing the square wave

(iv) the first four terms of the Fourier series representing the square wave

(v) the first five terms of the Fourier series representing the square wave
Note: We show the graphs for 0 < t < π only since the square wave and its Fourier series are even.

(i)
4

−π −π π π t
2 2

(ii) 8 (iii) 8 1
2+ cos t 2+ (cos t − cos 3t )
π π 3
4 4

π t π t
2 π 2 π
8 1 1 1
(iv) 8 1 1 2+ (cos t − cos 3t + cos 5t − cos 7t )
2 + (cos t − cos 3t + cos 5t ) (v) π 3 5 7
π 3 5
4 4

π t π t
2 π π
2

Figure 8

12 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
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We can clearly see from Figure 8 that as the number of terms is increased the graph of the Fourier
series gradually approaches that of the original square wave - the ripples increase in number but
π
decrease in amplitude. (The behaviour near the discontinuity, at t = , is slightly more complicated
2
and it is possible to show that however many terms are taken in the Fourier series, some “overshoot”
will always occur. This effect, which we do not discuss further, is known as the Gibbs Phenomenon.)

Orthogonality properties of sinusoids

As stated earlier, a periodic function f (t) with period 2π has a Fourier series representation
a0
f (t) = + a1 cos t + a2 cos 2t + . . . + b1 sin t + b2 sin 2t + . . . ,
2
∞
a0 X
= + (an cos nt + bn sin nt) (3)
2 n=1

a0
To determine the Fourier coefficients an , bn and the constant term use has to be made of certain
2
integrals involving sinusoids, the integrals being over a range α, α + 2π, where α is any number. (We
will normally choose α = −π.)

Task Z π Z π
Find sin nt dt and cos nt dt where n is an integer.
−π −π

Your solution

Answer
In fact both integrals are zero for
Z π  π
1 1
sin nt dt = − cos nt = (− cos nπ + cos nπ) = 0 n 6= 0 (4)
−π n −π n
Z π  π
1
cos nt dt = sin nt =0 6 0
n= (5)
−π n −π

As special cases, if n = 0 the first integral is zero and the second integral has value 2π.

N.B. Any integration range α, α + 2π, would give these same (zero) answers.
These integrals enable us to calculate the constant term in the Fourier series (3) as in the following
task.

HELM (2008): 13
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
 Task
Integrate both sides of (3) from −π to π and use the results from the previous
Task. Hence obtain an expression for a0 .

Your solution

Answer
We get for the left-hand side
Z π
f (t)dt
−π

(whose value clearly depends on the function f (t)).

Integrating the right-hand side term by term we get
∞ Z π π ∞
1 π
Z Z π  
X 1 X
a0 dt + an cos nt dt + bn sin nt dt = a0 t + {0 + 0}
2 −π n=1 −π −π 2 −π n=1

(using the integrals (4) and (5) shown above). Thus we get
Z π
1 π
Z
1
f (t) dt = (2a0 π) or a0 = f (t) dt (6)
−π 2 π −π

Key Point 1
The constant term in a trigonometric Fourier series for a function of period 2π is
Z π
a0 1
= f (t) dt = average value of f (t) over 1 period.
2 2π −π

14 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
 ®

This result ties in with our earlier discussion on the significance of the constant term. Clearly a signal
whose average value is zero will have no constant term in its Fourier series. The following square
wave (Figure 9) is an example.

f (t)
1

π 2π t

−1

Figure 9
We now obtain further integrals, known as orthogonality properties, which enable us to find the
remaining Fourier coefficients i.e. the amplitudes an and bn (n = 1, 2, 3, . . .) of the sinusoids.

Task
Using the standard trigonometric identity that
1
sin nt cos mt ≡ {sin(n + m)t + sin(n − m)t}
2
Z π
evaluate sin nt cos mt dt where n and m are any integers.
−π

Your solution

Answer
We get
Z π Z π Z π 
1 1
sin nt cos mt dt = sin(n + m)t dt + sin(n − m)t dt = {0 + 0} = 0
−π 2 −π −π 2

using the results (4) and (5) since n + m and n − m are also integers.
This result holds for any interval of 2π.

HELM (2008): 15
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
 Key Point 2
Orthogonality Relation
For any integers m, n, including the case m = n,
Z π
sin nt cos mt dt = 0
−π

We shall use this result shortly but need a few more integrals first.
Consider next
Z π
cos nt cos mt dt where m and n are integers.
−π

Using another trigonometric identity we have, for the case n 6= m,

Z π Z π
1
cos nt cos mt dt = {cos(n + m)t + cos(n − m)t}dt
−π 2 −π

1
= {0 + 0} = 0 using the integrals (4) and (5).
2

For the case n = m we must get a non-zero answer since cos2 nt is non-negative. In this case:
Z π Z π
2 1
cos nt dt = (1 + cos 2nt) dt
−π 2 −π
 π
1 1
= t+ sin 2nt =π ( provided n 6= 0)
2 2n −π

Rπ
For the case n = m = 0 we have −π
cos nt cos mt dt = 2π

Task
Proceeding in a similar way to the above, evaluate
Z π
sin nt sin mt dt
−π

for integers m and n.

Again consider separately the three cases: (a) n 6= m, (b) n = m 6= 0 and (c)
n = m = 0.

16 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
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Your solution

Answer
(a) Using the identity sin nt sin mt ≡ 12 {cos(n − m)t − cos(n + m)t} and integrating the right-
hand side terms, we get, using (4) and (5)
Z π
sin nt sin mt dt = 0 n, m integers n 6= m
−π

(b) Using the identity cos 2θ = 1 − 2 sin2 θ with θ = nt gives for n = m 6= 0

Z π
1 π
Z
2
sin nt dt = (1 − cos 2nt)dt = π
−π 2 −π
Z π
(c) When n = m = 0, sin nt sin mt dt = 0.
−π

We summarise these results in the following Key Point:

Key Point 3
For integers n, m
Z π
sin nt cos mt dt = 0
−π

Z π  0 n 6= m
cos nt cos mt dt = π n = m 6= 0
−π 
2π n = m = 0
Z π 
0 n 6= m, n = m = 0
sin nt sin mt dt =
−π π n=m

All these results hold for any integration range of width 2π.

HELM (2008): 17
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
3. Calculation of Fourier coefficients
Consider the Fourier series for a function f (t) of period 2π:
∞
a0 X
f (t) = + (an cos nt + bn sin nt) (7)
2 n=1

To obtain the coefficients an (n = 1, 2, 3, . . .), we multiply both sides by cos mt where m is some
positive integer and integrate both sides from −π to π.
For the left-hand side we obtain
Z π
f (t) cos mt dt
−π

For the right-hand side we obtain

∞ 
a0 π
Z X Z π Z π 
cos mt dt + an cos nt cos mt dt + bn sin nt cos mt dt
2 −π n=1 −π −π

The first integral is zero using (5).

Using the orthogonality relations all the integrals in the summation give zero except for the case
n = m when, from Key Point 3
Z π
cos2 mt dt = π
−π

Hence
Z π
f (t) cos mt dt = am π
−π

from which the coefficient am can be obtained.

Rewriting m as n we get
1 π
Z
an = f (t) cos nt dt for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . (8)
π −π
Using (6), we see the formula also works for n = 0 (but we must remember that the constant term
a0
is .)
2
From (8)
an = 2 × average value of f (t) cos nt over one period.

18 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
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Task
By multiplying (7) by sin mt obtain an expression for the Fourier Sine coefficients
bn , n = 1, 2, 3, . . .

Your solution

Answer
A similar calculation to that performed to find the an gives
Z π Z π ∞ Z π Z π 
a0 X
f (t) sin mt dt = sin mt dt + an cos nt sin mt dt + bn sin nt sin mt dt
−π 2 −π n=1 −π −π

All terms on the right-hand side integrate to zero except for the case n = m where
Z π
bm sin2 mt dt = bm π
−π

Relabelling m as n gives
1 π
Z
bn = f (t) sin nt dt n = 1, 2, 3, . . . (9)
π −π
(There is no Fourier coefficient b0 .)
Clearly bn = 2 × average value of f (t) sin nt over one period.

HELM (2008): 19
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
 Key Point 4
A function f (t) with period 2π has a Fourier series
∞
a0 X
f (t) = + (an cos nt + bn sin nt)
2 n=1

The Fourier coefficients are

Z π
1
an = f (t) cos nt dt n = 0, 1, 2, . . .
π −π
Z π
1
bn = f (t) sin nt dt n = 1, 2, . . .
π −π

In the integrals any convenient integration range extending over an interval of 2π may be used.

4. Examples of Fourier series

We shall obtain the Fourier series of the “half-rectified” square wave shown in Figure 10.

f (t)
1

π 2π t
period

Figure 10
We have

1 0<t<π
f (t) =
0 π < t < 2π
f (t + 2π) = f (t)

The calculation of the Fourier coefficients is merely straightforward integration using the results
already obtained:
1 π
Z
an = f (t) cos nt dt
π −π
in general. Hence, for our square wave
π
1 π
Z 
1 sin nt
an = (1) cos nt dt = =0 provided n 6= 0
π 0 π n 0

20 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
 ®

Z π
1 a0 1
But a0 = (1) dt = 1 so the constant term is = .
π 0 2 2
1
(The square wave takes on values 1 and 0 over equal length intervals of t so is clearly the mean
2
value.)
Similarly
Z π  π
1 1 cos nt
bn = (1) sin nt dt = −
π 0 π n 0

Some care is needed now!

1
bn = (1 − cos nπ)
nπ
But cos nπ = +1 n = 2, 4, 6, . . . ,

∴ bn = 0 n = 2, 4, 6, . . .

However, cos nπ = −1 n = 1, 3, 5, . . .
1 2
∴ bn = (1 − (−1)) = n = 1, 3, 5, . . .
nπ nπ
2 2 2
i.e. b1 = , b3 = , b5 = ,...
π 3π 5π
Hence the required Fourier series is

∞
a0 X
f (t) = + (an cos nt + bn sin nt) in general
2 n=1
 
1 2 1 1
f (t) = + sin t + sin 3t + sin 5t + . . . in this case
2 π 3 5

Note that the Fourier series for this particular form of the square wave contains a constant term and
odd harmonic sine terms. We already know why the constant term arises (because of the non-zero
mean value of the functions) and will explain later why the presence of any odd harmonic sine terms
could have been predicted without integration.

The Fourier series we have found can be written in summation notation in various ways:
∞
1 2 X 1
+ sin nt or, since n is odd, we may write n = 2k − 1 k = 1, 2, . . . and write the
2 π n=1 n
(n odd)
∞
1 2X 1
Fourier series as + sin(2k − 1)t
2 π k=1 (2k − 1)

HELM (2008): 21
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
 Task
Obtain the Fourier series of the square wave one period of which is shown:

−π −π π π t
2 2

Your solution

22 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
 ®

Answer
We have, since the function is non-zero only for − π2 < t < π2 ,
Z π
1 2
a0 = 4 dt = 4
π − π2
a0
∴ = 2 is the constant term as we would expect. Also
2
Z π  π
1 2 4 sin nt 2
an = 4 cos nt dt =
π − π2 π n −π
2

4 n  nπ o  nπ  8  nπ 
= sin − sin − = sin n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
nπ 2 2 nπ 2
It follows from a knowledge of the sine function that


 0 n = 2, 4, 6, . . .




 8

an = n = 1, 5, 9, . . .
 nπ




 8
 −
 n = 3, 7, 11, . . .
nπ
Also
Z π  π
1 2 4 cos nt 2 4 n  nπ   nπ o
bn = 4 sin nt dt = − =− cos − cos − =0
π − π2 π n −π nπ 2 2
2

Hence, the required Fourier series is

 
8 1 1 1
f (t) = 2 + cos t − cos 3t + cos 5t − cos 7t + . . .
π 3 5 7
which, like the previous square wave, contains a constant term and odd harmonics, but in this case
odd harmonic cosine terms rather than sine.
You may recall that this particular square wave was used earlier and we have already sketched the
form of the Fourier series for 2, 3, 4 and 5 terms in Figure 8.

Clearly, in finding the Fourier series of square waves, the integration is particularly simple because
f (t) takes on piecewise constant values. For other functions, such as saw-tooth waves this will
not be the case. Before we tackle such functions however we shall generalise our formulae for the
Fourier coefficients an , bn to the case of a periodic function of arbitrary period, rather than confining
ourselves to period 2π.

HELM (2008): 23
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
5. Fourier series for functions of general period
This is a straightforward extension of the period 2π case that we have already discussed.
Using x (instead of t) temporarily as the variable. We have seen that a 2π periodic function f (x)
has a Fourier series
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1

with
Z π Z π
1 1
an = f (x) cos nx dx n = 0, 1, 2, . . . bn = f (x) sin nx dx n = 1, 2, . . .
π −π π −π

2π
Suppose we now change the variable to t where x = t.
T
Thus x = π corresponds to t = T /2 and x = −π corresponds to t = −T /2.
Hence regarded as a function of t, we have a function with period T .
2π 2π
Making the substitution x = t, and hence dx = dt, in the expressions for an and bn we obtain
T T
Z T  
2 2 2nπt
an = f (t) cos dt n = 0, 1, 2 . . .
T − T2 T
Z T  
2 2 2nπt
bn = f (t) sin dt n = 1, 2 . . .
T − T2 T
These integrals give the Fourier coefficients for a function of period T whose Fourier series is
∞     
a0 X 2nπt 2nπt
f (t) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
T T
Various other notations are commonly used in this case e.g. it is sometimes convenient to write
the period T = 2`. (This is particularly useful when Fourier series arise in the solution of partial
differential equations.) Another alternative is to use the angular frequency ω and put T = 2π/ω.

Task
Write down the form of the Fourier series and expressions for the coefficients if
(a) T = 2` (b) T = 2π/ω.

Your solution

24 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
 ®

Answer
∞ 
1 `
    Z  
a0 X nπt nπt nπt
(a) f (t) = + an cos + bn sin with an = f (t) cos dt
2 n=1
` ` ` −` `
and similarly for bn .
∞ Z π
a0 X ω ω
(b) f (t) = + {an cos(nωt) + bn sin(nωt)} with an = f (t) cos(nωt) dt
2 n=1
π − ωπ
and similarly for bn .

2π
You should note that, as usual, any convenient integration range of length T (or 2` or ) can be
ω
used in evaluating an and bn .

Example 1
Find the Fourier series of the function shown in Figure 11 which is a saw-tooth
wave with alternate portions removed.

f (t)
2

−2 2 t

Figure 11

Solution
Here the period T = 2` = 4 so ` = 2. The Fourier series will have the form
∞     
a0 X nπt nπt
f (t) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
2 2
The coefficients an are given by
1 2
Z  
nπt
an = f (t) cos dt
2 −2 2
where

−2 < t < 0
0
f (t) = f (t + 4) = f (t)
t
0<t<2
1 2
Z  
nπt
Hence an = t cos dt.
2 0 2

HELM (2008): 25
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
 Solution (contd.)
The integration is readily performed using integration by parts:
Z 2     2 Z 2  
nπt 2 nπt 2 nπt
t cos dt = t sin − sin dt
0 2 nπ 2 0 nπ 0 2
  2
4 nπt
= cos n 6= 0
n2 π 2 2 0

4
= (cos nπ − 1).
n2 π 2
Z 2
1 nπt
Hence, since an = t cos( )dt
2 0 2


 0 n = 2, 4, 6, . . .
an =
 − 4

n = 1, 3, 5, . . .
n2 π 2
Z 2
a0 1
The constant term is where a0 = t dt = 1.
2 2 0

Similarly
Z 2  
1 nπt
bn = t sin dt
2 0 2
where
Z 2     2 Z 2  
nπt 2 nπt 2 nπt
t sin dt = −t cos + cos dt.
0 2 nπ 2 0 nπ 0 2

The second integral gives zero. Hence


2
− n = 2, 4, 6, . . .


nπ

2 
bn = − cos nπ =
nπ 
 2
 +
 n = 1, 3, 5, . . .
nπ
Hence, using all these results for the Fourier coefficients, the required Fourier series is
       
1 4 πt 1 3πt 1 5πt
f (t) = − cos + cos + cos + ...
2 π2 2 9 2 25 2
       
2 πt 1 2πt 1 3πt
+ sin − sin + sin ...
π 2 2 2 3 2
1 1
Notice that because the Fourier coefficients depend on (rather than as was the case for
n2 n
the square wave) the sinusoidal components in the Fourier series have quite rapidly decreasing
amplitudes. We would therefore expect to be able to approximate the original saw-tooth function
using only a quite small number of terms in the series.

26 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
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Task
Obtain the Fourier series of the function

f (t) = t2 −1<t<1
f (t + 2) = f (t)

f (t)

−2 −1 1 2 t

First write out the form of the Fourier series in this case:
Your solution

Answer
Since T = 2` = 2 and since the function has a non-zero average value, the form of the Fourier
series is
∞
a0 X
+ {an (cos nπt) + bn sin(nπt)}
2 n=1

Now write out integral expressions for an and bn . Will there be a constant term in the Fourier series?
Your solution

Answer
Because the function is non-negative there will be a constant term. Since T = 2` = 2 then ` = 1
and we have
Z 1
an = t2 cos(nπt) dt n = 0, 1, 2, . . .
−1
Z 1
bn = t2 sin(nπt) dt n = 1, 2, . . .
−1
Z 1
a0
The constant term will be where a0 = t2 dt.
2 −1

HELM (2008): 27
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series
Now evaluate the integrals. Try to spot the value of the integral for bn so as to avoid integration.
Note that the integrand is an even functions for an and an odd functon for bn .

Your solution

Answer
The integral for bn is zero for all n because the integrand is an odd function of t. Since the integrand
is even in the integrals for an we can write
Z 1
an = 2 t2 cos nπt dt n = 0, 1, 2, . . .
0
Z 1
ao 2
The constant term will be where a0 = 2 t2 dt = .
2 0 3
For n = 1, 2, 3, . . . we must integrate by parts (twice)
( 1 Z 1 )
t2 2
an = 2 sin(nπt) − t sin(nπt) dt
nπ 0 nπ 0
( 1 Z 1 )
4 t 1
= − − cos(nπt) + cos(nπt) dt .
nπ nπ 0 nπ 0

4
The integral in the second term gives zero so an = cos nπ.
n2 π 2
Now writing out the final form of the Fourier series we have
∞  
1 4 X cos nπ 1 4 1 1
f (t) = + 2 cos(nπt) = + 2 − cos(πt) + cos(2πt) − cos(3πt) + . . .
3 π n=1 n2 3 π 4 9

28 HELM (2008):
Workbook 23: Fourier Series
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Exercises
For each of the following periodic signals

• sketch the given function over a few periods

• find the trigonometric Fourier coefficients

• write out the first few terms of the Fourier series.


1 0 < t < π/2
1. f (t) = f (t + 2π) = f (t) square wave
0 π/2 < t < 2π


2. f (t) = t2 − 1 < t < 1 f (t + 2) = f (t)


−1 −T /2 < t < 0
3. f (t) = f (t + T ) = f (t) square wave
1 0 < t < T /2


 0 −π < t < 0
4. f (t) = f (t + 2π) = f (t)
2
t 0<t<π

0
 −T /2 < t < 0
5. f (t) = f (t + T ) = f (t) half-wave rectifier
A sin 2πt

0 < t < T /2
T
Answers
1.
 
1 1 cos 3t cos 5t
+ cos t − + − ...
4 π 3 5
 
1 2 sin 2t sin 3t sin 5t 2 sin 6t
+ sin t + + + + + ...
π 2 3 5 6
 
1 4 cos 2πt cos 3πt cos 4πt
2. − cos πt − + − + ...
3 π2 4 9 16
 
4 1 1
3. sin ω t + sin 3 ω t + sin 5ω t + . . . where ω = 2π/T .
π 3 5
4.
π2
 
cos 2t cos 3t
− 2 cos t − + − ...
6 22 32
    
4 π π 4 π
+ π− sin t − sin 2t + − sin 3t − sin 4t + . . .
π 2 3 33 π 4
 
A A 2A cos 2 ω t cos 4ω t
5. + sin ω t − + + ...
π 2 π (1)(3) (3)(5)

HELM (2008): 29
Section 23.2: Representing Periodic Functions by Fourier Series